New Czech checks in at Zilina

Slovakian champions MŠK Zilina have appointed Czech coach Frantisek Komnacky to replace his compatriot Leos Kalvoda, who was sacked after their early exit from Europe.

Two-year deal
Club president Ján Slota announced immediately after Kalvoda's dismissal that he would look across the border for a replacement. Two other Czech coaches, Jiri Kotrba and Jaroslav Hrebík, were touted as strong candidates for the post, but were overlooked in favour of Komnacky. The new coach has signed a two-year deal and said: "Our aim is the defence of our title."

Debut on Sunday
The 50-year-old, whose first game will be against ŠK Slovan Bratislava on Sunday, has worked at FK Drnovice and 1. FC Synot in the Czech top flight and last season led FK Tescoma Zlín to promotion. However, the club's management refused to extend his deal in the build-up to the new season.

Second in the table
Zilina - beaten by FC Basel in the UEFA Champions League second qualifying round - reacted to Kalvoda's departure by defeating AŠK Inter Bratislava 5-0 under caretaker coach Jaroslav Rybár. They lie second in the table, only one point behind leaders FC Spartak Trnava.